Ear of the Devil Lettuce

Lactuca sativa

Seeds per pack ~ 100

Germination: 97%  Oct 2024 Packed for 2025

Origins and History

Ear of the Devil Lettuce is a rare heirloom variety believed to have originated in Central and Western Europe, particularly favored in France during the 18th and 19th centuries. Its unusual name likely comes from its jagged, dramatic leaf shape, which was seen as resembling “devil’s ears” in folk tradition. Gardeners and seed savers have prized it for centuries, not only for its distinctive appearance but also for its resilience and flavor, helping preserve it through heirloom seed exchanges into the present day.

Appearance and Characteristics

This lettuce is most easily recognized by its deeply cut, spiky, oak-leaf shaped leaves, which often form loose heads rather than tight, compact ones. The leaves are a rich green, sometimes with bronze tinges along the edges, giving the plant a striking, ornamental quality. Plants typically reach 10–12 inches in height and spread outward in a loose rosette. Its growth habit makes it suitable for both field planting and container gardening, where its dramatic form can be showcased.

Culinary Uses

Ear of the Devil Lettuce offers tender yet crisp leaves with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. It is best used fresh in salads, where its texture and unique leaf form add both flavor and visual interest. It also pairs well with vinaigrettes, cheeses, and seasonal fruits. Because of its leaf structure, it can also be used as an edible garnish or as a decorative wrap for small appetizers. Unlike some lettuces, it holds up well without becoming overly bitter if harvested at the right time.

Growing Tips

This variety thrives in USDA Zones 4–9, though it can be grown in cooler or warmer zones with appropriate care. Like most lettuces, it prefers cool weather, making it ideal for spring and fall plantings. Sow seeds directly outdoors at a depth of ¼ inch in fertile, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Thin seedlings to 8–10 inches apart. Provide consistent moisture, as lettuces are shallow-rooted and prone to bolting in heat stress. Mulching around the plants helps retain soil moisture and prolong the harvest season.

Harvesting Guidance

Ear of the Devil Lettuce can be harvested as “cut-and-come-again” baby greens in about 30 days, or allowed to mature into loose rosettes for harvest at around 55–60 days. Leaves should be picked in the morning when they are crispest. For extended harvest, cut outer leaves regularly while allowing the central growth to continue. If left too long in hot weather, the plant will bolt, sending up a tall flowering stalk. While bolting makes the leaves bitter, it provides seed for saving, ensuring the continuation of this unique heirloom.